Using Color to Enhance Learning and

Influence Mood

You’ve probably noticed that color influences your mood, but have you stopped and
considered how you can use color to enhance learning and influence mood in the classroom
or other educational environments? The colors you choose to use in your classroom or center
can actually have a major impact on children’s mood and how children learn and absorb
information. For example, using yellow in your classroom will encourage children to be
creative and will also help you maintain their attention. In her book Start Smart: Building Brain
Power in the Early Years, Revised Edition, Pam Schiller, PhD, includes the following chart
and ideas for using color to enhance learning and influence mood:

Color Impact
Creates alertness and excitement.
Encourages creativity.
Red
Increases appetite.
May be disturbing to anxious individuals.
Creates a sense of well-being.
Sky blue is tranquilizing.
Blue
Can lower temperature.
Inhibits appetite.
 Creates a positive feeling.
Yellow Optimum color for maintaining attention.
Encourages creativity.
Orange Increases alertness.
Green Creates calmness.
Purple Creates calmness.
Promotes a sense of security and relaxation.
Brown
Reduces fatigue.
Creates positive feelings.
Off-White
Helps maintain attention.

Ideas for Infants and Toddlers

 Infants only see black and white when they are born, so providing bright colors in
their environment will help their brains learn to recognize color.
 Wrapping red fabric around bottles or placing red placemats under children’s plates
will help even the pickiest of eaters get the nutrition they need.
 Using crib linens in cool colors (blue, green, purple) can calm children and help them
rest better.

Ideas for Preschool Children

 Wearing a yellow or off-white apron or smock when you present information to
children can help maintain their attention.
 In areas where children need to be attentive, try placing a yellow placemat, a yellow
vase of flowers, a picture of yellow flowers, a yellow folder, or a yellow pencil case to
help them pay attention.
 Using calming colors (different shades of blue, beige, and green) in quiet areas can
calm children and help them feel relaxed.

Ideas for School-Age Children

 You can teach children about how color affects their moods, appetites, behavior, and
learning by asking questions about how they feel around certain colors and whether
they agree with research findings about the impact of color.
 Include a discussion about color-related phrases (e.g., feeling blue, seeing red, true
blue, having a green thumb) in your lesson plans. Ask children if the phrases and
their meanings match their experiences with color.
 Make an effort to display art from different artists in your classroom. The artwork you
choose can lead to discussions about why the artists chose certain colors and how
they used colors to create emotional reactions to their work.
Ideas for Small or Large Groups
 Hang crepe paper streamers to influence the moods in certain areas. For example,
dark-colored streamers in a reading area would help children relax and focus on what
they are reading.
 Use reds and yellows in areas where you would like to encourage creativity (e.g., art
learning center, dramatic play learning center, writing area/learning center).
 Consider the effects of color when planning family engagement events or other
classroom activities. Bright colors may overstimulate children if they are already
excited.

Be sure to read Start Smart: Building Brain Power in the Early Years, Revised Edition for
more information on how color can influence learning and mood and for a variety of other fun
ways you can help children learn and grow.
How Color Can Affect Learning
Tuesday, April 28, 2015 - by Margie Meacham
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Close your eyes and think about your

favorite shirt or dress. What colors do you see? Close your eyes again and
picture your training room or e-learning template. What colors are you using?
How are you using them? Do you intentionally choose some colors over others
because of their affect on the brain, or is the decision made by default to match
the other rooms in the office, or the colors in the corporate logo?

Color Is Processed in Multiple Parts of the Brain

Scientists thought they had identified this region decades ago, when they were
able to pinpoint the color processing region in the brains of monkeys. They
logically concluded that the human brain processes color in the same way as our
nearest living relatives. However, neuroscientists at Harvard medical school used
functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to identify a region adjacent to, but
distinctly different from, the color center in the monkey brain. They came to this
conclusion by measuring the blood flow to various parts of the brain while
subjects viewed colored and black and white images.
Even more remarkable than the location of the color center is what our brains are
doing with this information. From the color center, information travels
simultaneously to areas of the brain that are responsible for detecting motion,
shapes, edges, and transitions. This happens even with subjects who are color
blind. They may not be able to recognize different colors, but their brain still
knows how to use this information to gain a more nuanced view of the world.
This parallel use of color in multiple regions of the brain suggests that our
response to color is far more significant than what we have previously
supposed—so I write this post knowing that much more information is needed on
the subject. But let’s think about what we think we know today and how it might
help us build more effective, more memorable training and education materials.
Color Aids Pattern Recognition
In 2002, researchers discovered that subjects performed five to 10 percent
better on standardized pattern recognition tests when they were administered in
color rather black and white. The effect also boosted memory over time. The
advantage of using color was only demonstrated when the color was “realistic.”
When the objects were depicted in random colors, it appeared to have no effect
on memory or pattern recognition.
This result suggests that our ability to discern color is linked to our ability to
survive in the natural environment. Think about all the different colors of green
you would have to recognize if you lived in a jungle. Each shade might indicate
food, shelter or danger.
Brain Fills in the Color on Black and White Images of Known Objects
Another group of scientists discovered that when we look at photos of objects
that are known to us, our brain fills in the expected color, even though it isn’t
there. We still see, for example, that the image of the banana is black and white,
but our brain accesses our complete memory of bananas, including the fact that
they are usually yellow. If you have a need for learners to recognize specific
colors, such as alert lamps on a dashboard for example, you may not need to
show them in color every time after you have established the “realistic” color of
each lamp.
Color May Stimulate Specific Brain Functions
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A number of studies on the apparent influence of color on brain performance
have some tantalizing results. It is important that remember that these results are
derived from observing human subjects under different conditions using color
stimuli. These studies did not use an fMRI to watch the brain in action. If you are
aware of similar research involving live images of the brain, please let me know.
Still, there are some intriguing results:
Blue appears to stimulate creativity and can help you achieve a state of calm
relaxation. In excess, it may encourage feelings of depression.
Red stimulates the adrenal glands and can generate feelings of energy or threat,
depending on the intensity of the stimulus. However, when used in conjunction
with repetitive or detail-oriented tasks, red also appears to improve focus and
performance.
Yellow in small amounts can make us feel happy. However, if overdone it can
lead to feelings of stress, which may be why it is so often used as the color for
warning messages.
Green appears to be relaxing and may even contribute to physical health,
suggesting its use in hospitals.
Pink also has a calming influence and has been shown to reduce heart rate.
Purple gets our attention and may stimulate sexual attraction.
Orange stimulates critical thinking and memory. It is sometimes suggested that
test centers should be painted orange to stimulate performance on exams. Bring
along some snacks, though, because it also increases appetite.
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What Color Is Your Training?
While we’ve been exploring man’s response to color for a long time, we are only
now beginning to identify the neural pathways and brain connections involved in
processing and responding to color. While we watch for more information to
come out, we can at least begin to experiment with different colors to support
different learning results and see where we come out. Maybe I’ll be writing
about your color discovery one of these days.
Benefits of Greenery
Besides being pleasing to the eye, greenery also contributes to the mental, physical and
emotional well-being of people. The following studies identify the benefits children and
youths can gain from regular exposure to greenery.

Better Grades and School Behaviour

In a study conducted by the American Institutes for Research, a group of sixth
graders attended outdoor school for six weeks, while another group did not. During the
outdoor programme, students carried out hands-on activities such as searching for
aquatic insects in a stream and identifying tree species, as well as drawing conclusions
on the “health” of a forest. At the end of the programme, the students, teachers and
parents were surveyed.

The group that participated in the outdoor education rated better in self-esteem,
conflict resolution, relationship with peers, problem-solving, motivation to learn and
behaviour in class. These children also had improved Science scores, measured by a pre
and post test. [I]
Regular exposure to greenery can lead to better school behaviour, including improved
relationship with peers.

Reduces ADHD Symptoms

Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have unusually high and
chronic level of inattentiveness, impulsivity and hyperactivity. In a study published by the
American Journal of Public Health, ADHD children were observed participating in similar
activities conducted in a variety of different settings, such green outdoor environments,
man-made outdoor environments, and indoor settings. After each session, parents rated
their children on ADHD symptoms, such as difficulty in remaining focused on
unappealing tasks, difficulty in listening and following directions, as well as difficulty in
resisting distractions. The ADHD symptoms in children exposed to the green outdoor
settings reduced significantly compared to the other settings. [ii]

Helps Children Cope with Stress

A study done in New York researched whether greenery helped children cope with
stress. It measured how ‘green’ the children’s homes were and studied how well the kids
coped with stressful life events such as bullying in school, relocating to another home
and family disagreements. The study found that nearby nature buffers the effects of
stressful life events on children’s psychological distress. [iii]

The greener your child’s environment, the better your child would be able to cope with
stress.

Develops Psychomotor Skills

“Climbing rocks is more fun than climbing trees – but climbing trees is more fun than
boring playground equipment.” These words came from a kindergarten boy. A study in
Norway found that preschool children who played in natural areas with trees, rocks and
uneven terrain developed better motor skills than those who played in conventional
playgrounds.[iv]
Children who play amongst trees, rocks and uneven ground have better balance and
agility.

Reduces Prevalence of Myopia

A study conducted in Sydney assessed the relationship of outdoor activities with the
prevalence of myopia in school-aged children. Children participating in the study went
through a comprehensive eye examination. Their parents were required to complete an
extensive questionnaire about the amount of time their children spent on a variety of
indoor and outdoor activities. It was found that the more time children spent outdoors, the
lower the rate of myopia. [v]

Improves Cognitive Functioning

Does the view from a child’s home affect his or her well-being? To answer this, a
research project that was conducted in America studied the effects of the presence of
greenery on cognitive functioning. In the first phase of the study, children were observed
in their own homes, which were pre-selected because they lacked in greenery. In the
second phase, the children and their families were relocated to housing environments
that were greener. The study found that children who were housed in homes that
improved the most in terms of greenery also had the best ability to focus. [vi]

Improves Perceived General Health

A study that was done in Holland investigated the strength of the relationship between
the amount of green space in people’s living environments and their perceived general
health. The study found that the percentage of green space in a one-kilometre area had a
significant positive impact on perceived general health in large cities, especially for the
elderly, youth, and people educated up to the secondary school level. [vii]
Bring your students on a learning journey to our parks and gardens to reap the benefits
of greenery today!

There are certainly many benefits to be reaped from greenery and being close to nature.
Bring your students outdoors to enjoy the wonders of our City in a Garden today! With over
300 parks and gardens, four nature reserves and more than 300 km of park connectors in
Singapore, there is an abundance of green spaces for you and your students to explore
and enjoy.
Energy and Environment

Just looking at
nature can help
your brain work
better, study finds
By Chris Mooney May 26, 2015

The Vancouver Convention Center’s six-acre living roof in Vancouver,

Canada, on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2014. According to the convention center it’s
the largest green roof in Canada. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Darryl
Dyck)
While still relatively novel in the United States, so-called “green
roofs” — urban rooftops covered with grasses, plants and other types
of greenery — are becoming increasingly popular around the world.
In France, newly built commercial rooftops must sport either
greenery or solar panels, according to a recent law. Facebook,
meanwhile, recently installed a massive 9-acre green roof at its office
in Menlo Park, Calif.
The logic is obvious: Green roofs can reduce the retention of heat in
urban areas, help to cool down buildings and thereby lower their
energy use, and even pull some carbon dioxide from the air and feed
it back into plant growth. Plus, they look cool.

But the psychological benefits of green roofs to busy office workers

may also be substantial, according to new research. In a study
published in the journal Environmental Psychology, the University of
Melbourne’s Kate Lee and a group of colleagues found that
interrupting a tedious, attention-demanding task with a 40-second
“microbreak” — in which one simply looks at a computerized image
of a green roof — improved focus as well as subsequent performance
on the task.
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The research adds to a growing scientific literature on the health
advantages — psychological and otherwise — of being exposed to
views of nature in urban settings, for instance through the presence
of parks or trees. Research in this area is so far along, in fact, that
researchers are considering whether it might be possible to identify
the right “dose” of nature that people need to receive in order to
actually reap significant health benefits.
Other psychological benefits of nature views have also been captured
in recent literature. In one study, research subjects who viewed a 12-
minute nature documentary before playing a game that involved
managing a fishery resource engaged in more sustainable behavior.
[The radical political implications of spending time outdoors]
The new study appears to break ground by showing an effect — and a
benefit — from a much smaller and shorter-lived nature exposure.

In the research, 150 students were asked to perform a cognitively

demanding task called the Sustained Attention to Response
Task (SART). In the task, respondents view a series of individual
numbers, between 1 and 9, on a computer screen. Each number
flashes by very rapidly — in under a second — and the research
subject has to press a particular keyboard key as rapidly as
possible — unless, that is, the number is 3.
In that case, subjects have to catch themselves and not respond —
which is difficult to do, given the habit built up of repeatedly and
rapidly clicking the key.

This goes on for a large number of trials — 225 of them, requiring

about five minutes in total to complete — making the task both
difficult and also fairly taxing. No wonder, then, that it is regarded as
a test of one’s ability to keep focus and attention over a period of
time.

In the current study, students had to complete the SART task not
once, but twice. However, they received a 40-second “microbreak” in
between the two trials. During that break, their computer screens
flashed either to a digital image of a city building roof covered in
concrete, or one covered with grass and flowers. Then, they
completed the remainder of the SART trial.

The green roof view that half of research subjects observed during their
“micro-break.” (University of Melbourne)
Afterward, the students exposed to the green roof scene not only
reported that it felt more “restorative,” they performed better on the
task. In particular, they showed less fluctuation in response time, and
made fewer errors of “omission” — failing to tap the keyboard key
when they saw a number other than 3.

“Nature can provide cognitive benefits in much shorter timeframes,

and in smaller amounts than previously demonstrated,” the authors
concluded.

For anybody who toils all day at task after task in an office building,
it’s hard to miss the implications. “Modern work drains attention
throughout the day, so providing boosted ‘green micro-breaks’ may
provide mental top-ups to offset declining attention,” said lead study
author Kate Lee of the University of Melbourne by e-mail.

Alas, for many of us in the United States, going to an office window

and looking out at a green roof next door remains impossible — for
now, anyway.

But that’s not the only option — Lee thinks the findings are
generalizable beyond green roofs. “Viewing different types of nature
(parks and forests) can also boost attention, research shows,” she
commented. “Based on this we would hypothesize that other types of
urban greening that show similar vegetation characteristics to those
studied previously may also boost attention.”
So if you don’t work next to a building sporting a green roof, there’s
always a brief walk outside — if not to a park, then at least to
somewhere you can see a tree.

Also in Energy & Environment:

Global warming could shrink Mount Everest’s glaciers by 70 percent,

study finds
Why you shouldn’t freak out about swarming honeybees — and how
to protect bees from those who do
The surprising links between faith and evolution and climate denial
— charted
For more, you can sign up for our weekly newsletter here,
and follow us on Twitter here.
THE BENEFITS OF SOLAR POWER FO
R SCHOOLS
Since utility costs are one of the few areas of a school's budget that can’t be trimmed
without negatively affecting the student experience, growing numbers of administrators
are exploring the benefits of solar power for schools.
School facilities are excellent candidates for solar conversion, particularly large
campuses spread out over a wide geographic area. For schools, solar panels can
easily offset monthly utility bills. With a larger installation, it may even be possible to
switch to 100% renewable energy. In addition, solar energy in schools presents a great
teaching opportunity that can enrich classroom content with real-world examples of the
benefits of renewable energy.

Schools have a unique advantage when it comes to solar energy due to the structure of
their facilities. Most school buildings in the United States have large, flat rooftops that are
ideal for rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal systems. Additionally, these
facilities often have school parking lots which could be put to productive use by installing
solar PV canopies that harness the sun’s power and offer the added benefit of shading
parked vehicles on sunny days.
Similarly, schools that have vacant land areas as part of their campus can create modest
solar PV farms to further maximize their energy output. The opportunity to make the most
of underutilized spaces while saving money gives administrators no reason not to
consider solar power for their energy needs.

HOW MUCH ENERGY DOES A SCHOOL USE?

The Department of Energy reports that taxpayers spend $6 billion on energy costs for K-
12 schools each year. This is more than what is spent on textbooks and computers
combined, and it’s the second highest expenditure after salaries.
Due to the inefficiency of current systems, school energy costs are estimated at about
25% more than what is actually necessary for daily operation. According to
SchoolEnergySaving.com, the average school building in the United States is 42 years
old. These aging buildings were not designed with today's student population in mind.
Modern technology has significantly increased the energy loads a school must meet.

School energy use is divided as follows:

 Lighting: 26%
 Cooling: 26%
 Office equipment: 20%
 Other energy: 10%
 Ventilation: 7%
 Space heating: 5%
 Regulation: 4%
 Cooking: 1%
 Water heating: 1%

Solar power provides a more efficient way for schools to meet their energy needs. A
single silicon solar panel produces as much energy over its 30- to 40-year lifespan as a
nuclear fuel rod. Efficiency of power generation results in cost savings as well as
substantial ecological benefits. For every 1 kW/hr of solar energy that is produced, 300
lbs of carbon is kept out of the atmosphere.

ARIZONA'S ROLE IN THE RISE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

The development of solar power technology in the United States kicked into high gear
during the 1970s Oil Embargo. As oil prices spiked, people become more interested in
affordable alternatives.
Arizona has always been a leader in solar energy, thanks to the state's sunny climate. In
fact, former Governor Janet Napolitano once said she viewed Arizona as having the
potential to become the Persian Gulf of solar energy.
Arizona's first large scale solar field opened in Flagstaff in 1997, followed in rapid
succession by similar solar projects around the state. The Arizona Corporation
Commission (ACC) established the Renewable Energy Standard (RES) in 2007 to set an
ambitious goal for the percentage of retail energy sales coming from renewable energy
sources. By 2025, the standard calls for 15% renewable energy with 4.5% distributed
generation from renewable sources.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Arizona has the #3 ranking for
installed K-12 school solar photovoltaic capacity at 66,288 kW. Arizona is also #4 in K-12
school solar photovoltaic installations, with 226 schools using solar energy as a power
source. For the schools that are not currently utilizing solar energy as a power source, it's
estimated that 99.1% could save money by making the switch.

RENEWABLE ENERGY FOR SCHOOLS AS A COST-

SAVING MEASURE

The primary reason that schools are becoming more interested in the use of solar power
to meet their energy needs is a desire to save money. The amount of money
an individual school can save with a switch to solar energy will vary depending on
factors such as location, current energy demands and the type of the solar power system
installed. However, schools across the country are reporting savings that have been
enough to protect teaching positions in the midst of budget cuts, update technology and
expand extracurricular opportunities for students despite declining tax revenues. When
every penny counts, solar energy makes it easier to balance the budget.
In Brighter Future: A Study on Solar in U.S. Schools Report, the Solar Energy Industries
Association states that there are 3,752 K-12 schools in the United States with solar
installations. The electricity generated yearly from these systems represents a combined
value of $77.8 million. This combined value is enough for nearly 2,200 new teachers’
salaries or 155,000 tablet computers for classroom use.
In a 2012 article appearing in The Wall Street Journal, the superintendent of the
Scottsdale Unified Schools district outside Phoenix reported the school switched to solar
power because utilities were the only area in the budget with room to cut. They
experienced a $20 million budget decrease in two years, with 90% of their budget
going to staff, 6% going for power and 4% going for supplies. With the savings from their
switch to solar power, they were able to bring back six teachers who were previously laid
off due to budget cuts.
Another important economic benefit of a switch to solar power is reliable, consistent
energy pricing. The price of conventional power is vulnerable to market fluctuations that
make it hard to estimate expenses from year to year, but solar power guarantees a
predictable monthly utility bill. Stability in terms of energy pricing gives cash-strapped
districts the confidence they need to invest in providing the best possible education for
their students.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE

USE OF SOLAR ENERGY

Although the cost savings is often what spurs administrators to look into the use of solar
energy, schools are finding that systems provide a unique educational opportunity for
students. It's well known that students in the United States perform below the academic
standards of other developed countries. A report from the Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development found that US students have particular difficulty
translating real life situations into mathematical terms and interpreting the mathematical
aspects of real world problems.
Since solar panels are a highly visible addition to a school, they provide an ideal starting
point for showing students how their studies apply to everyday life. Here are some
general examples of how solar energy systems can be incorporated into classroom
lessons for students of all ages:

 Students can use system performance data to calculate how much electricity is
being produced and how much money their school is saving.
 Problem solving skills can be developed by investigating questions such as
how system tilt angles and orientation affect energy output.
 Research projects can explore topics such as the physics of solar energy as
compared to traditional sources of energy.
 Students can take what they've learned about solar energy to conduct an
energy audit of a local nonprofit organization, using their school's performance
data to make cost-saving recommendations for the nonprofit.

SunPower, a leader in global solar innovation since 1985, also offers the SunPower
Horizons program to provide opportunities for students in grades K-12 as well as select
post-secondary STEM majors. The Horizons program includes SunPower panel
donations for classroom use, mentors and guest instructors from SunPower, and
professionally developed lesson plans covering various topics relating to solar power and
energy efficiency. Schools may also choose to take advantage of field based
opportunities such as internships and service learning, as well as professional
development opportunities for educators.
In addition to enhancing education, solar panels in schools may motivate students to
explore a new career field they otherwise wouldn't have considered. The term "green
collar jobs" refers to positions that specialize in using environmentally conscious design
and technology to improve sustainability and promote conservation of our planet's natural
resources.
The Solar Energy Industries Association states that surging demand for solar power will
add hundreds of thousands of green collar jobs in areas such as research,
development, construction, manufacturing, marketing and sales. Schools that implement
solar power lessons into their curriculum give students an edge when they decide to
pursue these types of career opportunities.

MODELING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP FOR

STUDENTS

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that electricity is responsible for
more than 1/3 of the greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. While recycling,
carpooling and avoiding the use of disposable products are small steps in helping the
environment, switching to solar power is the easiest way to make a real difference in the
future of the Earth.

ThinkProgress states that if every school in the United States took full advantage of its
solar potential, we'd add 5.4 gigawatts to the country’s current solar capacity of just over
16 gigawatts. This is enough to meet the power needs of one million homes. In terms of
carbon emissions reduction, it would be the same benefit as taking one million passenger
vehicles off the road.
Teachers and administrators often serve as role models for students, particularly in lower
income districts where students are lacking stable family support structures. Installing a
solar power system demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship that
students will seek to emulate in their own lives.

THE PR BENEFITS OF A SWITCH TO SOLAR ENERGY

Producing your own electricity via solar energy has proven to provide excellent public
relations benefits for schools and private businesses alike. There's a growing interest
among the general public in becoming personally involved in saving the planet. A school
that uses solar power will be a source of pride for students, parents and community
members.
In a report on the growing popularity of solar systems in Arizona schools, 91.5 KJZZ
highlighted Desert Mountain High School in Scottsdale. This facility uses covered
parking with solar panels to generate about 1/5 of its power needs. Administrators report
that students are just as excited about being a "green" school as they are about having
covered parking for their vehicles when the temperatures rise. Madison No. 1 Middle
School in Central Phoenix has seen similar positive buzz from its solar panels, with a
panel-shaded courtyard turning into a place that students actually want to hang out.

USING SOLAR POWER TO IMPROVE EMERGENCY

RESPONSE

An often overlooked benefit of solar power is the ability to generate power when
emergency conditions prevent access to a utility grid. Having a reliable source of power
in an emergency becomes crucial if a school also serves as a community evacuation
center.
For example, during Superstorm Sandy in 2012, Midtown Community School in Bayonne,
New Jersey used its solar power system to keep residents safe. Their solar energy
system was designed to provide power to the school's emergency systems as soon as
the grid went down, thus reducing the workload of diesel generator and stretching their
limited fuel supply.

PAYING FOR SOLAR POWER SYSTEMS

Essentially, schools have two options available for financing their purchase: direct
ownership or third-party ownership. To maximize potential savings, each option should
fully be explored before making a final decision.
Direct ownership models give the school full control of the solar system installation. This
method provides schools with immediate savings on their utility bills. Schools can pay for
the purchase via fundraising, private donors or state grants and other incentives.
Additionally, since the installation of solar panels qualifies as a capital improvement
project, direct ownership offers a rare chance to obtain general fund savings via a capital
project.

Since schools do not pay taxes, they are not eligible for the significant tax credits
associated with solar system installation. These credits can reduce the cost of system up
to 50%. Direct ownership of solar panels can also be difficult to manage for schools
without large cash reserves or strong community support for the project.
Third-party ownership of the system involves the installation being owned or operated by
another entity. The school pays the owner for the electricity produced by the panels,
often paying a lower rate than their current utility prices. Schools can enter into a Power
Purchase Agreement (PPA) with a national company or have the community form a third-
party entity to own the system on behalf of the school. A community-owned PPA lets
interested parties earn a modest return on their investment while taking full advantage of
the available tax incentives.
Third-party ownership is perfect for schools that can't afford the up-front investment in the
panels, but even schools with no budgetary issues often find this option appealing due to
the tax credits involved. Sidwell Friends, the private school in Washington, D.C. where
President Barack Obama’s daughters attend, used a community-owned PPA for its solar
system installation.

TYPES OF SOLAR SOLUTIONS FOR SCHOOLS

Depending on the nature of your facility, school administrators who are interested in
using renewable energy in their facilities have multiple solar power options to consider.
For example:

 Roof-Mount Solar Installation. This is the most common option schools select
due to the ease of mounting panels on a flat roof. These panels are also
economical and require minimal maintenance.
 Parking Lot Solar Canopy. Another popular choice for schools, this solar panel
method maximizes energy production while giving staff and students
convenient covered parking spaces.
 Pole-Mount Solar Installation. Most often used in situations where a facility
doesn't have enough available roof space or roof-mount panels are impractical,
pole-mount solar panels maximize exposure to sunlight. However, they do
require a large spot of open land.
 Ground-Mount Solar Installation. A facility with large areas of open land that
receive heavy sun exposure for the majority of the day might choose ground
mount panels. These panels can potentially generate more power than an
exclusively roof mounted system, especially if they include an optional tracker
system designed to maximize energy generation throughout the day.
 Building-Integrated PV Systems. A school planning to remodel or expand may
choose to use building-integrated PV systems to enjoy the benefits of solar
power in an unobtrusive way.
 Solar Shade Awnings. If your facility has awnings in areas with high sunlight
exposure, panels can be added to generate solar power.
 Solar Shelter Installation. Bus barns and other detached facilities can generate
solar power, if necessary. This option offers all the benefits of roof-mounted
panels without requiring a modification of the primary classroom area.
 Solar Shelter Installation. An alternative source of solar power, these shelters
affordably produce energy while offering a covered space for playgrounds,
athletic facilities and other outdoor campus spaces.

Since a solar power system relies on sunlight, it produces less energy during the evening
hours and on cloudy days. For this reason, most schools remain connected to a utility
grid so they can draw backup power as needed to prevent any interruption of service.
If the solar panel system generates any excess power, this remaining energy is sold back
to the grid and is used to power other businesses or homes within the area. The school
receives a credit on its utility bill as compensation.

SUNPOWER SOLAR SYSTEMS

Empire Renewable Energy specializes in providing SunPower solar solutions to both

commercial and residential clients throughout the Southwest. SunPower is a leader in the
solar power industry, having produced enough solar cells over the last 30 years to circle
the Earth three times. The company holds over 500 patents, focusing continually on
creating innovative ways to make renewable energy more accessible to the public.
SunPower solar cells convert more sunlight to electricity than any other solar technology
and offer superior performance in low light conditions. This high-efficiency process
means consumers need fewer panels and less roof space to meet their power needs.
With SunPower, even small schools can reduce their electric bill.
With any solar power system, durability is a primary concern. SunPower systems are
rated #1 in durability in third-party testing, with assurances that they can withstand hail,
extreme temperatures and hurricane force winds. Each SunPower panel also comes with
a 25-year combined power and product warranty, letting you purchase with complete
confidence.

GET A FREE SITE ASSESSMENT AND BENEFITS

ANALYSIS

With so many factors to consider, choosing the most effective type of solar power
configuration can seem complicated. Fortunately, Empire Renewable Energy employs a
team of expert engineers who can perform a free comprehensive site assessment and
benefits analysis to find the best system for any educational facility. This includes power
and allocation recommendations as well as a projected annual utility savings, a projected
payback period and the net cost of the system.
Our engineering team specializes in solving the complex logistical challenges that often
prevent the greater adoption of renewable energy in schools. Even a small solar
installation can provide tangible financial benefits. To see a detailed analysis that clearly
outlines your path to profitability. Call us today to learn more about how solar power
systems can benefit your school.
Why Schools Should Go Solar

As the summertime approaches its end, schools are back in session and the academic year is in full
swing. This fall, more than 50 million students in the US are memorizing their schedules and lugging
their backpacks down the halls to start another year of learning—and only 2.7 million of these
students are doing so at solar schools.

Although the US has seen a significant number of schools taking advantage of solar energy recently,
there are tens of thousands more that could see significant cost benefits, among other things, by making
the switch. With large, flat rooftops and enormous parking lots free of shade, schools are a critical
resource for renewable energy for their communities. That being said, there are a number of ways that
installing solar could be of value to schools themselves. Let’s take a look at what these advantages
are.

Cost Savings

Although most schools do not have the option of taking advantage of state and federal solar tax
incentives as nonprofit entities, they can still benefit from these policies through on-site power
purchase agreements (PPA). PPAs are contracts where solar energy companies finance, build, own, and
maintain a system on the customer’s site and sell the solar electricity generated back to the organization
at a reduced, fixed rate – usually at a significant discount compared to what the utility charges for
electricity. This rate is offered over an extended period of time—typically 15 to 20 years. Under this
model, the customer incurs no (or very low) upfront costs and saves money in the long term.

Under PPAs, the cost savings inherited by a school’s transition to solar are truly substantial. For
example, Solect installed a 137 kilowatt solar energy system on the roof of the Albert H. Gordon Field
House of Roxbury Latin school through a PPA agreement, and the school has projected savings of
nearly $100,000 over the next 15 years. With the reduced and predictable electricity rates offered to
schools through PPAs, it is common to see a considerable amount of money saved over the lifespan of
the system—especially when solar schools are protected from unstable utility costs.

Environmental Benefits
Using a source of renewable energy helps not only your individual school, but the contiguous
neighborhood as well. Installing solar enables your school to run on clean energy while at the same
time combatting greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. In addition, especially with an on-site
solar installation, it reduces dependence on outsourced fossil fuels and promotes renewable energy use
in the surrounding area.

Learning Experience

Another long-term benefit of going solar is the knowledge students can gain from having this kind of
innovation at their fingertips. Not only does a solar energy system encourage sustainable practices
among the student body, but many schools with solar have gone as far as integrating the system into
their learning curriculum through science and/or math classes. For example, the Roxbury Latin
School’s solar system has been used in the school’s science curriculum. The school has added an
interactive kiosk that provides data streaming access that students can assess to measure the output of
the solar panels, fostering an enriching learning environment.

Many schools’ large, flat roofs are untapped resources for renewable energy and given the upsides—
major potential cost savings, the opportunity for an educational tool for students and the chance to
make a positive environmental impact—every American school should consider it.
SEPTEMBER 15, 2015 | WHY SCHOOLS
SHOULD CONSIDER INSTALLING SOLAR
ENERGY
Even though it has been around since the 1950s, solar energy has only recently
become heralded as a green alternative to fossil fuels and a way to save the earth,
while still meeting our electrical needs. With the advances in solar technology and
improved access to financing options, many schools are beginning to install solar
arrays, in order to create their own microgrids that benefit both the school and the
surrounding community.

Though schools across the United States are beginning to realize the benefits of solar
energy, many have yet to explore the possibilities that this renewable source can
provide. Large, flat rooftops on school buildings are excellent locations for the two
most commonly used systems: solar photovoltaic (PV) or solar thermal arrays. School
parking lots are another great source of potential energy. On sunny days, solar PV
canopies can provide shaded parking, while turning that sunshine into usable
electricity for the school. Solar energy has immense untapped potential for schools.
So, why should your school consider installing solar energy?

Save Money

Reduced costs for electricity are perhaps the biggest reason to install solar energy.
Though the initial start-up costs can be high, solar panels pay for themselves in the
long-term. When you consider that solar panels have an average lifespan of 25 years,
you’ll save millions of dollars over the lifetime of just one array. In addition, districts
with multiple buildings can bundle installations into one package, further reducing
initial cost.

Not only can schools save money based on today’s electricity costs, administrators
can protect their buildings and districts against rising utility costs. Contracts to
purchase a solar system can guarantee electricity prices for up to 20 years, allowing
administrators to better plan their budgets.

Not only can schools save money on electrical costs, they may also be able to profit
by selling surplus energy back to the local power grid. Not only will such actions
provide clean electricity for others in the immediate area, it can also provide an
additional source of funding for your school. Decreased energy costs along with the
potential for revenue from surplus electricity could allow schools to start or to
continue programs they previously couldn’t afford.

Helping the Environment

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that generation of electricity
contributes to more than one-third of all greenhouse emissions in our country. Solar
power is a sustainable and renewable resource that can help reduce the need for power
plants that burn fossil fuels. Rising concerns about our collective carbon footprint and
the effects greenhouse gases have on climate change make investing in solar a solid
choice for the environment and the health of future generations.

Teachable Moments

Schools are the heart of most communities as they are not only the places where
children and teens come to learn, but also gathering places where parents and
community members learn about new ideas and innovations. One of the immediate
by-products of a solar energy installation is a student body that is conscious about
energy and sustainability issues. Solar array installations allow student to get a first-
hand look at how sunlight is converted into electricity and how the overall process can
benefit the immediate community. Teachable moments can be integrated into math,
science and technology curricula.

The Solar Industries Association predicts that by 2016, increasing demand for solar
array installations will add thousands of green jobs to the American economy. Solar
curricula will inspire and prepare students for careers in solar research, development,
construction, marketing and sales